Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has alleged that more than 1,000 Nigerians were killed and several thousand abducted between January and February 2026.
Peter Obi made the claim in a post shared on his X account on Sunday, March 1, describing the level of violence across the country as deeply alarming. According to him, the scale of bloodshed in Nigeria within the first two months of the year rivals — and even exceeds — that of some countries officially at war.
He criticised what he termed the “politics of zero humanity,” accusing political leaders of focusing on 2027 election strategies instead of addressing the worsening security crisis.
“It is profoundly disturbing that while we, the politicians, continue to obsess over the 2027 elections… the first two months of 2026 have reportedly seen the killing of over 1,000 Nigerians and the abduction of several thousand others,” Peter Obi wrote.
He listed several states — including Zamfara, Kwara, Ondo, Kebbi, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, and Plateau — as areas affected by violent attacks, kidnappings, and mass shootings. He added that in more than 25 states across all geopolitical zones, communities have faced armed banditry, village invasions, and assaults on worshippers and travellers.
Referencing a recent attack in Plateau State, Obi expressed sorrow over reports that families in the Doruwa Babuje community had buried victims following an attack by armed groups.
“We debate power sharing while citizens are sharing funeral programs… We strategise about 2027 while Nigerians struggle to survive 2026. This is inhumane,” he stated.
Peter Obi called for a shift in national priorities, urging leaders to place the protection of human life above political ambitions.
“Leadership is not about winning elections; it is about saving lives… History will not remember how many strategies we perfected for 2027; it will remember whether we acted when Nigerians were dying,” he added.
He concluded his message with his signature phrase: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
